Dash is exploring the Philippines as a potential market for crypto payments due to the demand for low-cost transactions and the country’s openness to digital financial tools.
In an interview with Cointelegraph at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026, Dash Blockchain’s global implementation lead Dalia Chernozub said the project is focused on emerging markets where users face high fees and need simpler payment options.
“We believe that Dash provides technology and payment solutions to people who are struggling with high fees (and) need something that is easy to use,” Chernozub said, adding that the Philippines fits that profile because consumers are open to learning about new technologies.
She said Dash is still evaluating the local market and prioritizing legal compliance before launch. He said Dash has begun communicating with key market participants and is preparing a legal opinion for consultation with regulators and financial industry bodies.
Dash’s assessment comes as the Philippines seeks to attract foreign technology companies, but industry insiders say the regulatory process for crypto companies remains far more stringent than basic business registration.
Dalia Chernozub (left) and Cointelegraph’s Ezra Reguera (right) at Philippine Blockchain Week. Source: Daria Chernozub
Company registration takes minutes, but cryptocurrency compliance can take years
Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission Commissioner Rogelio Quevedo told Cointelegraph in an interview at Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 that foreign investors can register a business online from anywhere in the world in about 20 to 30 minutes.
Quevedo said the government stands ready to support foreign investors, explaining that the SEC’s online registration system is part of the agency’s broader push towards digitalization and innovation. His comments suggest that it has become easier for crypto companies to formally establish local entities, although they may face additional licensing and compliance requirements before operations.
Related: Dash Evolution chain integrates Zcash Orchard privacy pool
Marie Antonette Quiogue, head of legal affairs at BlockShoals and CEO of Arden Consult, told Cointelegraph in a separate interview at the event that the SEC has created a framework for foreign crypto exchanges willing to enter the regulated environment.
Quiogue said a regulated path comes with significant obligations, noting that Brock-Scholes spent about two years structuring its agreement with Binance.
Quiogue said that beyond regulations, the Philippines’ young population, high mobile usage rate and widespread English proficiency could help attract foreign crypto companies.
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